Entrepreneurial OOMPH

What happens when a CPA turns publisher, face-plants in print at the wrong time, and then builds one of the fastest-growing talent companies serving small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs)? Rob Levin, co-founder and CEO of Work Better Now, joins Debra Pearlman to unpack his 30-year entrepreneurial journey — and share why every business owner needs a full-time assistant, how to build a culture by des...

From dancer to defender of growing companies—employment lawyer Devora Lindeman shares how proactive counsel helps leaders sleep at night. We unpack real HR curveballs (the soap-opera kind), what to do before you’re sued, and how to turn culture from words on a wall into performance metrics. Devora explains when to document advice, why “write it down” protects you, and right-sized legal options—hou...

What does it take to grow from a single shredding truck to a multi-market operation that competes head-to-head with industry giants? In this candid conversation, Judith Papo shares the journey from Hudson Valley Shred to Legal Shred, which has expanded into data destruction, hard-drive shredding, box storage, and a fast-growing medical waste business—fueled by a relentless focus on relationships,...

In this episode of Entrepreneurial OOMPH!, host Debra Pearlman sits down with John Klassen, a business leader whose military discipline and banking precision shaped his management and sales philosophy. John shares powerful insights on leadership, delegation, and accountability, including his signature 10-3-1 sales rule that transforms team performance. He opens up about guiding his company through...

Steve Simon shares how compassion sparked the Living Benefits movement, forever changing life insurance. At nearly 80, he’s still innovating—building companies, creating music, and proving that passion and perseverance drive a true legacy.

From painting garbage trucks purple to signal “professional service for women,” to leading a $65M multi-state operation, to surviving Chapter 11 and rising again—Shirley Ann Felder embodies ordinary greatness. In this powerful conversation, Shirley (Chief Inspirational Officer, Ordinary Greatness Consulting) shares how she built and led a team in a male-dominated industry, employed over 150 people...

Seventeen years “in the shadows” supporting marquee brands—and now stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, Mark Heinsman, owner of Imagative (IMAGATIV.com), shares how he shifted from custom web builds to Revenue Operations: assembling fast, testable systems that capture leads, convert customers, and scale with CRM-driven automations (GoHighLevel), A/B testing, and tight feedback loops.

Gina McDonald grew Massage Experience from a single spa into a thriving collective. She shares how she empowers other entrepreneurs, mentors providers in financial savvy, and builds a business rooted in growth, resilience & purpose.

Carole Hurst, a 75-year-old wellness educator, entrepreneur, and team leader, shares her powerful story of resilience, health transformation, and leadership. From overcoming major health challenges and living with muscular dystrophy to building a thriving business and empowering women, Carole demonstrates that a strong mindset, gratitude, and purpose fuel longevity and success. Learn how to grow w...

Real estate coach & numbers expert Kyle Harrison shares how clarity in your financials transforms business, leadership, and life. Vulnerability, alignment, and success—beyond the spreadsheets.

At 83, Sheila Pearl is still coaching, growing, and inspiring. She shares powerful lessons on leadership, emotional alchemy, and feedback in this unforgettable episode.

What can a former rock star teach you about building sustainable businesses? In this candid and insightful conversation, Debra Pearlman sits down with Eric Egeland, founder of Capacity Consulting and Capacity Bookkeeping, to unpack decades of hard-earned entrepreneurial lessons. Eric shares how he pivoted from government consulting to scaling a profitable bookkeeping business, why diversification...

In this episode of Entrepreneurial OOMPH!, host Debra Pearlman sits down with Kyle Hudson, successful entrepreneur and BNI Director Consultant, to explore how he and his brother grew their Charleston-based landscaping company from a small family venture to a thriving business with 23 employees. Kyle shares the pivotal moments in transitioning from hands-on fieldwork to operational independence, le...